The hazards of One-Man

[baldgriff]

Well last week I got myself stuck not by something that I did, but by something the pitcher did after the ball was hit. Again SP, one man system. R1 on 1B, 1 out. Batter hits ball to SS, I anticipate that we will have a close play with a good turn so I get position 1B side of rubber 2/3 the way up the line.

Well the SS makes a slight boot gets it and flips to 2nd for what will be a close play now, and the pitcher was heading toward 2nd base for some unknown reason and is now between me and the play. 2B gets ball I cant see the play, so I give a safe signal, 2b throws to 1B and I ring the out.

Coach says "Why did you call safe at 2nd?"

My response "Coach, your pitcher screened me. I can not call an out that I didnt see."

Coach says "You dont have to call a safe do you?"

Me again: "I cant call an out I dont see"

Coach: "Well get out there for the play next time"

Me: I just walked back to the plate thinking, why was your pitcher going to 2B in the first place.

Sometimes it just doesnt matter that you hustle and get to where you should be, the variables sometimes just cant be figured in..........

ACK

[IRISHMAFIA]

I have no problem with your call. Nor do I have a problem telling the coach HIS player caused the problem.

I also have no problem asking the coach what year he attended the state umpiring school if they have the balls to question my positioning

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I have no problem with your call. Nor do I have a problem telling the coach HIS player caused the problem.

I also have no problem asking the coach what year he attended the state umpiring school if they have the balls to question my positioning

I'll remember that one, because they always question your position/hustle when the call goes against them. Even when the say "good hustle, blue" on the previous play.

[wadeintothem]

Hmm .. well we've had the round of kudos and back slaps.. so whats to be learned or discussed here?

We all blow em sometimes.. and when that happens, kudo's are nice - but thats not a good learning tool.. better to beat yourself up a little and try to learn from it IMO..

So.. what we have in REALITY is a play where EVERYONE saw the out but you... you in fact did blow a call and robbed the Def of a double play by blaming a fielder for "screening you" (even if true) - so where do we go from here?

A closer trail of the runner, as opposed to the angle into the field - perhaps?

Recognizing the pitcher is moving earlier than you did so either stop moving or side step to be able to see the play enough to make the easy call at 2b..

On a double play my main concern is 1B - I get to where im at least in good enough spot to give a close vicinity at 2b but best possible position for the 1b call.

I'm not thrashing you, cuz i'm sure we've all been there - but you posted the situation so a better discussion other than "great job at blowing that one" could be had.

[IRISHMAFIA]

What's that I smell?

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

What's that I smell?

Youre not still sore I bested you and WMB, even when you went running to some big wigs to get an interpretation, are you?

Let it go man, grudges can really weigh on you. Each post is a "new game".

Dont worry mike, I'm still impressed you were able to rise through the ranks of 12 umpires in your little state AND recommend yourself to enough SP nationals to get elite status.. lets bury the hatchet and be friends please